First the thank you. I am blown away by all of the sweet comments on my kitchen reveal post. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to follow along and leave encouraging comments. I really appreciate it. And although I visited most of your blogs to comment back, I still have a few more to read. All I can say is there is a lot of talent in the blogosphere.
Also, a big thank you to Jen, Tim, Sherry, Pam, Erin and Melissa (and anyone else who I have forgotten) for choosing my kitchen makeover as one of their favourites from the One Room Challenge participants. Be sure to check out their favourites in the links as I loved all the ones they mentioned as well.
Now, on to the important message. One of my good friends lost her husband on November 6th leaving behind my friend and their 12 year old daughter who is best friends with my daughter. My friend Mara had given her husband Jeff one of her kidneys 15 years ago. How beautiful is that? But the kidney was failing and Jeff was waiting for another donor. He passed away before this could happen. So, please, please sign your organ donor cards. It is so important as it essentially can give life to another human being. One organ donor can save 8 lives, in fact. If you live in Canada, you can go here to see the requirements in your province. In most provinces, you can register online. Even if you sign the donor card on your driver’s license you still have to register online. I wasn’t aware of that so I just registered online and it took all of 3 minutes to do so.
I don’t usually get on the soapbox about too many things here on the blog, but I thought this message was too important not to acknowledge. So, please take a few minutes to go online and register. Thank you.
And Mara, I am wishing you and K much peace and love. We are truly saddened by this and can only imagine what you have been going through. It really makes you realize that you have to live your days wisely creating memories with the people that really matter. You did that as a family and it’s a good reminder to all of us who get caught up with things that are really not that important.
via Pinterest
So on that note, have a happy week and I’ll be back later this week with the post about my counter.
Jen @ RamblingRenovators
November 18, 2014Your recognition was well deserved Vanessa – you did an amazing job with your kitchen.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend’s husband. One of my childhood best friends has survived 25+ years with her kidney transplant so I know how important organ donation can be. Wishing your friend and her daughter the strength to get through this very difficult time.
Vanessa
November 18, 2014Thanks so much Jen. That is wonderful about your friend. xo
Erin
November 18, 2014So sorry to hear about your friend Mara’s husband, Vanessa. I will keep her family in my thoughts and prayers.
Vanessa
November 18, 2014Thanks so much Erin. xo
Stephanie
November 18, 2014I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend’s husband. I wish her and her daughter strong hearts. You reminded me that I wanted to check on the site to see if I was registered so thanks for the reminder. All done. Take care and best wishes.
Vanessa
November 18, 2014Thank you Stephanie! And Yay that you’re registered! xo
cassie
November 18, 2014i read this blog but don’t often comment- i loved the kitchen and pinned it and drooled over it.
i am SO sorry to mara, and i am glad you shared the story. i am already an organ donor, but hopefully many more will be reached through this post. thinking of their family during this time and wishing them peace.
Vanessa
November 18, 2014Why thank you Cassie. And thanks for your condolences. And (insert thumbs up emoji) for already being signed up as a donor. xo
Grace @ sense and simplicity
November 18, 2014I had always intended to register as an organ donor, but had never got around to it, but now I have done it so thanks for the nudge (and the link). I’m so sorry for your friend’s loss. What a difficult time for her and her daughter.
Vanessa
November 18, 2014That is so good to hear (alias) Grace! That was the point of this post. Yes, it has been an incredibly difficult time for them as can be expected. Thanks for your condolences. xo
Michelle @ Eamonn & Jack
November 19, 2014So sorry to hear about your friends husband. It’s so sad.
I’ve been a registered donor since high-school – I did a ISU project in biology on kidney transplantation and realized at that point how important it was. At the time I had to mail in a form, and fill out a card to keep in my wallet – it’s so much easier now. I still have that card, dog-eared as it is, tucked behind my driver’s license and health card – no idea if I really need to still carry it around, but I do – just in case.
It’s also important to note that even if you register you need to make sure that your family knows what your choice is – they need to be told that if the worst happens you’d like to be a donor and help others.
Vanessa
November 19, 2014Thank you Michelle and that’s great that you realized the importance of this at a young age. I don’t think you need to carry it around. Registering online is the key thing now. And you are absolutely right about letting your family know your wishes. I didn’t mention that in the post but that is a key point as they can override your intentions. xo